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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I can't be a social worker with these convictions?

100 replies

gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:00

2 convictions on my record - drink driving and communication act (domestic). Was charged 11 years ago about 4 months apart for each. Was 19 at the time.

Had a terrible year mental health wise, going through a horrific break up although this is not an excuse but the truth. I have changed my life and really want to become a social worker however, I'm not sure I can be with these convictions.

Anyone any idea?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
13
LeukaeLucky · 04/10/2022 21:07

No idea but Bump

Original poster
gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:08

LeukaeLucky · 04/10/2022 21:07

No idea but Bump

Thank you 😊

OP posts:
quietnightmare · 04/10/2022 21:10

A quick google says yes there's a chance it you have to declare it

ApolloandDaphne · 04/10/2022 21:11

You probably can but there are some ares you won't be able to work in (prison services I think). Any jobs would want to discuss these convictions with you but I don't believe they would be a complete deal breaker. If I remember correctly you have to declare any convictions when you apply for the course as placements need to have this information.

Original poster
gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:12

ApolloandDaphne · 04/10/2022 21:11

You probably can but there are some ares you won't be able to work in (prison services I think). Any jobs would want to discuss these convictions with you but I don't believe they would be a complete deal breaker. If I remember correctly you have to declare any convictions when you apply for the course as placements need to have this information.

They will be completely off my record in 4 years time. Would I still not be able to work in criminal justice? This is what I'm really interested in.

OP posts:
Veganwolf · 04/10/2022 21:13

Can you look at specific courses and see if they have any advice on this?

You will likely have to disclose it either way but could put a positive spin e.g. 'i learnt from these experiences and know how important the role of a social worker could have been in these situations' or something to that effect?

Sunflower07 · 04/10/2022 21:13

I am a SW and I have known of 2 colleagues with drink driving convictions.
The conviction relating to a relationship is more likely to be an issue however.

Original poster
gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:14

Veganwolf · 04/10/2022 21:13

Can you look at specific courses and see if they have any advice on this?

You will likely have to disclose it either way but could put a positive spin e.g. 'i learnt from these experiences and know how important the role of a social worker could have been in these situations' or something to that effect?

That's what I was thinking, it's part of my life experience and what I've done with my life in the past 11 years shows I've moved on etc.

OP posts:
Original poster
gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:14

Sunflower07 · 04/10/2022 21:13

I am a SW and I have known of 2 colleagues with drink driving convictions.
The conviction relating to a relationship is more likely to be an issue however.

Do you think an issue as in I will be called in to a meeting to discuss it? Or an issue as in no way would I be allowed to do social work?

OP posts:
pastypirate · 04/10/2022 21:15

When I trained there were students kicked off the course because they failed to declare their offences.
You might as well apply and find out.

Original poster
gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:16

Must add I am a member of the PVG scheme and have always been allowed to work with vulnerable adults and children and young people. I am a youth worker at the moment. I've always been honest and the most that's happened is I've had to explain the circumstances

OP posts:
CrookCrane · 04/10/2022 21:16

gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:12

They will be completely off my record in 4 years time. Would I still not be able to work in criminal justice? This is what I'm really interested in.

Show quote history

I have a friend who was a probation officer with a conviction of drunk and disorderly. He did have to explain it at every interview but didn’t hamper his career.

RodiganReed · 04/10/2022 21:17

They wouldn't automatically bar you I don't think, but the domestic element of your communications offence could be a high hurdle to get over. Social work is a forgiving profession because we believe passionately in the ability to change, but domestic abuse offences often (though not always) relate to a person's need for power and control - toxic traits for social workers. You would have to evidence some pretty significant change to convince a university or employer to consider your application (and you face the prospect of having to declare it for every job you apply for in future). Maybe you could contact Social Work England for advice?

Original poster
gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:18

RodiganReed · 04/10/2022 21:17

They wouldn't automatically bar you I don't think, but the domestic element of your communications offence could be a high hurdle to get over. Social work is a forgiving profession because we believe passionately in the ability to change, but domestic abuse offences often (though not always) relate to a person's need for power and control - toxic traits for social workers. You would have to evidence some pretty significant change to convince a university or employer to consider your application (and you face the prospect of having to declare it for every job you apply for in future). Maybe you could contact Social Work England for advice?

I'm in Scotland. Yes the domestic element isn't good at all!

OP posts:
Ginger1982 · 04/10/2022 21:18

I would contact HCPC (or whoever the regulator is) and see what they say. I work for a regulator in another sector and whilst, if you applied to us and declared those convictions, we would want more information and for you to show you were reflective and remorseful etc, they wouldn't automatically stop you joining the profession.

Ginger1982 · 04/10/2022 21:19

If you're in Scotland, contact SSSC.

johsq20 · 04/10/2022 21:21

I don't think it would be an issue to be honest. The main thing is to be honest about it as integrity is important. Everyone comes with a history and some of the best social/youth justice/probation officers are those with lived experiences. I wouldn't be worried about the drink driving at all - you'd more likely be quizzed about the domestic. But both would be spent & given the time lapsed and providing you can give insight into the nature of the offences, I don't think it would hamper your chances.

maddy68 · 04/10/2022 21:23

I wouldn't be allowed to be a teacher with that (not the drinking one ). I am assuming social work will be the same. BUT find out.

RodiganReed · 04/10/2022 21:23

gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:16

Must add I am a member of the PVG scheme and have always been allowed to work with vulnerable adults and children and young people. I am a youth worker at the moment. I've always been honest and the most that's happened is I've had to explain the circumstances

This bodes well. Best of luck with your progression whatever direction you go in.

Original poster
gymbopo · 04/10/2022 21:24

Basically what happened was that I was in a relationship from 16 - 19 in which I lived with my boyfriend. I ended our relationship due to him cheating on me. It was my first break up and I was extremely hurt. We shared a dog and I went to the flat to get my things one night after work and everything was gone out of the flat, it was completely empty. I text him to see where my things were and where our dog was. No response, I was becoming increasingly irate and frustrated over a few days and kept texting him and some of the messages were abusive. Him and his new girlfriend reported me to the police.

The police man said to me it was bad luck as usually they would let it go but they were really clamping down on domestic abuse at this time (quite rightly so). I got everything I deserved, I wasn't respecting his boundaries - something I have learned, no matter how uncomfortable I feel I always have to respect others boundaries.

This isn't an excuse for my behaviour. I was immature, jealous and bitter and I said some really horrific things to him so I deserve to have this conviction. I actually don't even regret it as it really did shape me to be the much better person I am today but man, it was some way to learn a lesson.

OP posts:
Mum22boysJI · 04/10/2022 21:25

I think it’s worth you applying for a course and seeing if they accept you?
DH has 2 cautions (one for D&D, one for theft) and was v. worried they would stop him from being able to take up a place on an allied health professional course.
He declared both in his application and explained the reasons behind them and how he had changed since the time they occurred (about 5 years previously at the time). There was a board at the University that considered this and they agreed that he was still suitable for the course (they also took account of the strength of his application), so I think always worth a try?
the other 2 things that might be worth checking out are:
a) how long until your convictions are “spent”, I’m pretty sure DH’s didn’t come up on his latest DBS check as they happened more than 10 years ago now
b) if not a social worker, are there other similar jobs you could look at? I volunteered previously at a drug/alcohol support service and many of the counsellors/ support workers there were ex-addicts themselves, some with associated criminal convictions- may just be another avenue to look at if social work doesn’t work out!

audweb · 04/10/2022 21:27

Apply and see. If you can work as a youth worker then it probably will be fine. There might be an extra step to registering in which you have to explain to the SSSC and uni but it’s worth a shot cos it might work out fine.

Teaandcrochet · 04/10/2022 21:28

Of course you would need to be honest about them but no reason they should stop you - if anything it could add to the richness of your experience and have the potential to enhance your practice as a social worker. I follow a social worker on Twitter, for example, who is very open about his past, including serving time in prison (3.5 years of a 10 year sentance) so it can be done!

AnxietyForever · 04/10/2022 21:29

Are they convictions or cautions/warnings?

Also why will they be coming off in 4 years?

LadyLolaRuben · 04/10/2022 21:30

I know clinical staff with criminal convictions. They just declare it and explain in the interview the context and what about them has changed since, so they can demonstrate it won't be repeated. They are actually the best staff we've got and are better at managing people and scenarios than other employees - probably for the experience and insight it has given them.

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